Did you know Nigeria has stunning tourist attractions you might have never heard about? Nigeria is not just about gloomy stories. You can feel a thousand degrees heat in the country because of skyrocketing food prices and high cost of living, however, Nigeria has several beautiful tourist locations you’d love to visit. You don’t have to get a plane ticket or go on a month-long cruise, to have your dream vacation. This article explores the best travel locations that are just outside your doorstep. Stick around to learn about these spots and where they are located.
Ikogosi Warm Springs, Ikogosi, Ekiti State
Photo credit: Hadassah Photostorie group
Ikogosi Warm Springs is located in Ikogosi, Ekiti state, Southwest Nigeria. The spot has over 116 hectares of land and includes a marvel of nature: springs and beautiful vegetation. The tourist location has many other side attractions, such as a swimming pool, gym, chapel, and restaurants. It is the perfect getaway for couples and families.
The scenery here is both modern and traditional, keeping to its roots. There are several cold and warm springs – things of mystery and awe. What’s more? The lodging is decent. Explore the place where cold and hot water meets. The location captures one of the many wonders of nature. It is worth a visit.
Idanre Hills, Idanre, Ondo State
Photo Credit: Tunji Boro
Idanre Hill is a culturally significant hill with 682 steps from the ground level to the top. When you ascend the Hill, you’ll see many notable cultural spots, such as the Owa’s palace. Here, you get a glimpse at how the palaces used to look in those days.
As you ascend higher the hill, you will see more side attractions. My favorite is the Agbooogun footprint. The legend says it is the footprint of the first king of Idanre land, and the footprint can detect liars and fit everyone regardless of their size. Idanre Hill also has other interesting sights, like the first primary school in the region, burial grounds, and more. Trust us, the sight from the top is breathtaking.
Obudu Cattle Ranch, Obudu Plateau, Cross River State
Photo Credit: Dotun55
Let’s detour from Nigeria’s South West region and head to the South-South. Obudu Cattle Ranch is one of the buzzing tourist destinations in Nigeria. The area has an array of plateaus and plains. Plus, the view here is nothing short of otherworldly. The resort is named after the cattle that roam the region.
You can experience several features, from cable cars to water parks and conventional centers. Obudu Cattle Ranch embodies nature with thick shrubbery and clear plains. It is one way to draw closer to the country’s beauty, almost stained with corruption. Go on hikes, take cable car trips, and frame the memories in place with pictures.
Olumo Rock, Abeokuta, Ogun State
Photo Credit: LensEye Media
We are back in the Southwest and headed to Abeokuta to see the legendary Olumo Rock. This big rock is a tourist attraction for many within and outside the country. But what is so fascinating about the big, weirdly shaped rock? It is a historical monument that played a part in the Egba people’s wars.
This spot has turned into a monument that preserves eye-catching its cultural significance. You can visit museums and go on fun rock trips. You can bring your kids there as it is family-friendly. The artwork here is stunning and eye-catching.
Nike Art Gallery, Lekki, Lagos
Photo Credit: Jeremy Weate
Nike Art Gallery is one of the many delights in Lagos. It is a massive art gallery by Nike Davies-Okundaye. If you mistook the name to have any correlation with the conglomerate brand Nike, that’s okay. You aren’t alone. However, the gallery is named after the owner.
The location boasts about 8,000 afro-centric art pieces. It has several branches, but this mention focuses on the one in Lagos. The scenery is calm and clean. It can take a full day to explore all the art pieces. Nike Gallery is a great place to relax and detox. You can take pictures and also get some artwork for yourself. It is rated 5.0 on Trustpilot from over 800 reviews, so you know the place does something right.
Parting Note
We know how it feels sometimes to go through the daily struggles of being a Nigerian. However, we also know it shouldn’t stop you from having a good time and going to fun places. This article covers some amazing tourist destinations you can visit in Nigeria without breaking the bank.
